May 20, 2005
CLEMSON, S.C. - UCF junior Tanya Kleisler and senior Amy Price earned Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-Region recognition, the organization announced on Friday. It was the first time in history that members of the Golden Knight women's rowing team received the honor.
Kleisler claimed a spot on the all-region first-team, while Price was on the all-region second team. Varsity Eight boats ranked in the top six of the National Collegiate Athletics Association's (NCAA) five regional polls receive automatic selections for their nominees.
"It's an honor to have two athletes named to the all-region team," said UCF head coach Leeanne Crain. "Tanya and Amy have been solid members of the Varsity Eight for three years and this recognition is well deserved."
Kleisler rowed six-seat and Price rowed four-seat for the Knights most of the spring as the Varsity Eight enjoyed one of its most successful seasons to date. After opening with a five-second loss to Michigan, the boat took impressive wins at Miami and the Petrakis Cup, then placed second at the San Diego Crew Classic.
The Varsity Eight reclaimed the Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Association (FIRA) Championship and placed second to Louisville at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championship in Tennessee. Returning to the Volunteer State last weekend, the Knights concluded their season with a sixth place showing in the petite final - 12th overall - at the Aramark South/Central Sprints. Six crews from that competition received invitations to the NCAA Championships, which will be held in Sacramento, Calif. from May 27-29.